"Fright House" at the National Lighthouse Museum

NYC peeps: Get your scream on at the National Lighthouse Museum on Staten Island for some Halloween fun Sunday, November one (1).

And while you're there pick up a copy of my book Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse.

PNW peeps: Can't go to NYC? You can pick up Louie on the coast at Beach Books, Cloud and Leaf, Coos Bay History Museum, Jupiter's Books, etc.

Finally I'll be at the Coos History (and Maritime) Museum

I'll be at the Coos History Museum October 10 for sales and signings. The beautiful, new museum opened this summer and has graciously opened up one the their two expo halls for an Oregon Author Book Fair of which I will be a part. I'll have all my books for sale , but will be featuring Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse.

Come on out and join about a dozen local authors from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 1210 N. Front St. in Coos Bay, Oregon and enjoy the new museum, too (admission applies to museum viewing, but not the book fair).

Want to know more?

If you've not been to Coos Bay recently, well, here's your chance. The Coos County Historical Society just celebrated it’s grand opening of the brand new Coos Historical & Maritime Museum. The location is right between US Highway 101 and the bay. Before they actually had any installations in place the building itself was a complete work of art. Handcrafted details abound as your eye travels around from the floor to the hand made chairs and on and on. Two large conference rooms face onto the bay. It makes you feel like you are in a boat while looking out the huge windows.

On Saturday, October 10, they will be holding the first annual Oregon Author’s Book Signing event. Graciously, they have offered one of those conference rooms to select Oregon authors to sell and sign books while visiting with the public.

What a wonderful opportunity for us to visit a lovely area of our state while buying a few books prior to the hectic holidays.

• I'll also be at Writen in the Sand at Beach Books in Seaside, Oregon on Oct. 17. Watch for details.
• On Oct. 31 I'll be presenting a "Zombie Fest" at the Cannon Beach Library. Details soon.

Follow my "Author in NYC Adventure" via Instagram

In just a few short days (Aug. 6) I'll be jetting off for a bite of the Big Apple and you will be able to follow my exploits through Instagram. Maybe you're asking yourself, "so what?" Okay, let me 'splain why it might be worth your time.

The National Lighthouse Museum, Staten Is., NY

I can't think of anything.

Just kidding. They say it's "the city that never sleeps" and I may not sleep either. I'll be busy cramming all I can into five days. Sure, I'll be signing books and talking about my new book Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse at the National Lighthouse Museum on Staten Island for National Lighthouse Day (Aug. 8), but I'll be having some touristy fun, too.

AND I'll be posting pics from my adventures in Times Square and the Theater District, The NYC Disney Store (of course), Park Avenue and Central Park. I'll share photos from downtown, uptown, and China Town. And they'll be plenty of pictures of the NY harbor cruise (including Lady Liberty), plus Tom's Restaurant from Seinfeld, a walk along the High Line (a park trail made from the old elevated train tracks), Battery Park and the 911 Twin Towers Memorial, and so much more.

I'll also be sharing my dining experiences in images, too--anything and everything from a Coney Dog to a Jewish Deli delight; NY-style pizza or whatever. Nothing fancy though. I'll show you how to do NYC on the cheap.

Who knows what surprises await us? Just know that you're invited along to share the journey vicariously through the magic of the internet.

Follow my journeys on instagram @author_gregory.zschomler

NYC National Lighthouse Museum: Book Signing of "Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse"

EAST COAST READERS, I'll be at the National Lighthouse Museum, 11 a.m., Saturday August 8 signing copies of my newest book "Louie, the lonely Lighthouse." The NLM is located at 200 Promenade, Lighthouse Point, Staten Island, New York. 

Special Success Stories: "Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse"

Cover Art for Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse

Just over two weeks ago I ordered in sixty copies of the new book Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse. Now, two weeks later, I have barely a dozen in stock which I expect will fly out the door by the day's end. 

To you this may not seem like a significant number as book sales go, and it's not. This is no New York Times Bestseller (yet), but it is MY bestseller to date. None of my other books has gotten off to such a start (though most have sold more copies over time).

The number I have personally sold doesn't even take into account online sales which have also proven brisker "out of the gate" than my other titles. I am in no way sharing this news to brag on myself; I had little to do with it really. Basically, I wrote a few words and got them published. I did some marketing as well, but I've done that for my other books, too.

This initial success comes primarily, I believe, from publishing the right book at the right time and getting it before the right eyes. It is a good word (that touches people emotionally) and I believe the work was inspired. I was simply faithful to what I felt. I was inspired by my coastal surroundings, moved by a metaphor that I felt inside, and penned the story as faithfully as I could. The fact that the book is commercially viable (and a fundraiser for lighthouses) also contributes to its popularity.

Enter the Artist

Roxanne and I at the Book Launch for Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse

Of course, I would be remiss not to acknowledge the wonderful illustrative work that accompanies the text. The art, by Oregon coast artist Roxanne Bowman, is, I believe, also inspired.  The timing for her contribution was perfect as well.

Though we met two years ago at a book fair, we'd only talked about working on the project together after I wrote the story this year. We formally partnered on it just six weeks before the publication date. And no sooner had the book been published than did her home on the coast sell and put into motion her move to Costa Rica where I would never have reached her.

I believe the Lord has had His hand in this project all along. It all happened quickly and it happened through insurmountable odds. Roxanne was constantly bombarded throughout her production, but our God opened windows of opportunity every time Satan attacked. (The ordeal is a story in itself, so I won't go into it here.)

So why is this book so important? 

I think it's the message. So many people feel worthless just like Louie. They feel forgotten and unloved. And this book brings a message of hope. It is a reminder that "God don't make junk" and has a plan for your life--that we all have a place where we are to shine.

You can purchase a copy from Amazon if you'd like, or (better yet) pick a copy up from one of the bookstores that carry it, or ask for it at a bookstore that doesn't to have it ordered in. Or, if you wish to have a signed copy, order a copy from me. I am restocking because I have some bulk orders to fill at lighthouses and maritime museums around the country, BUT...

Special Limited Edition Signed Copies

Louie's illustrator Roxanne Bowman

If you want a copy signed by Roxanne, I have only four of those. And, since she is moving out of the country, getting those hereafter won't be cheap or easy. She's signed them "Everyone has value..." with her signature and I've signed them "Shine on..." with mine.

This is significant because as a child Roxanne was told she would amount to nothing, and even though she's struggled with MS for much of her life, through sheer determination to prove everyone wrong, she was the first in her family to earn a college degree and has become a successful artist.

These special limited copies will be rare keepsakes and you (being one of the first four to respond) can have one for $20 post-paid.

Drop me a note at: gregory.zschomler@gmail.com

Cloud & Leaf Stocks Bestsellling Louie in Manzanita

My newest book, Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse, was just picked up today at the Cloud & Leaf in Manzanita, Ore. Proprietor Jody Swanson has five copies in stock at the bookstore, 148 Laneda Ave. But they won't last long. This book has so far been my best-seller ever! (Of course, if they sell out they'll order in more, and that's a very good thing.)

If you're in the area, stop in and buy one or one of the other books in her wide selection. She has a local author section, a small used book shelf and lots of popular new titles to boot. Plus some great gift items, many related to literature.

Tucked back off Landena Ave. in Manzanita.

You can check them out at the website link above or here on their Facebook page, but you should stop in to the classy little store when you're in the area.

And may I also recommend our favorite eatery in town while you're there: The Big Wave at Laneda and Hwy 101. Try the Tsunami Burger (big enough for two).

Please support you local independent bookstores--especially those who sell books by independent authors.

I want to be a part of it, New York, New York

National Lighthouse Museum site on Staten Is.

You may know that I recently mentioned the possibility of going to NYC, having been invited to do a book signing at the National Lighthouse Museum for Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse.

Well, I’m stepping into the water on this. I still need to raise the funds, and I’m working on that, but the point is that I laid a fleece out for a sign this past weekend and the fleece came up wet.* So, I committed (and I’m scared).

At any rate, I have now been scheduled to do a book discussion and signing at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 8 at the new (soon to open) National Lighthouse Museum on Staten Island. I am also to be a guest at the ribbon cutting ceremony 11 a.m. Friday, August 7.

I probably won’t make any serious money on the deal, but it is an honor and an opportunity (or excuse) to go somewhere I've dreamed about for a long time. The book, Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse IS missional, too, so it’s an influential way to spread its valuable message. And it will be sold through their gift shop henceforth.

Therefore, I would appreciate your prayers that everything works out.

The trip is going to cost me about $600 for airfare plus food and ground transportation while I’m there. Fortunately, I have a place to stay, thanks to the graciousness of my niece, Leah. If I come up with some “fun money” as well—to see a couple Broadway shows (also a dream)—that would be great bonus. If not, so be it.

Artist concept of finished renovation for the National Lighthouse Museum

There IS another way you can help me out, too. And that is to buy a book or two, if you would. (And help spread the word by sharing in your social networks.)

I thank you in advance.

Listen to (and see) the lyrics to the iconic song sung by Frank Sinatra here.


*I use this Biblical image as a metaphor, to understand the meaning you may wish to read the account in Judges 6:37.

Oh My Words! Today's Book Launch was a Success

The author at Beach Books in Seaside, Ore.

I'm pretty wiped out right now. I don't know where the day went. But it was awesome.

After I walked into town (and back) to get the mail the family drove to Seaside, Ore. I arrived at Beach Books this morning at 11ish and, after getting set up, did the signing thing until 2 p.m.

Sold a couple dozen books and I've got orders for dozens more at lighthouses/museums/bookstores around the country, now. (More coming in next week I'm sure. And my appearance calendar is getting full, too. Not many Saturdays left open through September now.)

Anyway, that stack at the top right of the photograph was twice as tall before today. The rest of the stack will likely sell at next week's Local Indie Author & Book Fair at Jupiter's Books in Cannon Beach, Ore. (10 a.m to 4 p,m,).

This is just a hot commodity, I guess I'll have to restock soon.

Haven't got yours? Please ask for yours at a local indie bookstore or come out and see me at the book fair or you may order from Amazon.

Illustrator Roxanne Bowman

Joining today me was the book's illustrator Roxanne Bowman from Florence, Ore. It was the first she saw of the book in print and I think she was pretty proud.

After I moved out the family drove up to the Ilwaco (Wash.) Saturday Market and dinner at Ole Bob's. I also stopped in at Time Enough Books to make contact.

We got home close to 7 p.m. I wrote this post. The end.

The Illustrator and I are Signing Our Book LOUIE the Lonely Lighthouse at Beach Books May 2

I, along with the illustrator (Roxanne Bowman), will be signing the new book, Louie the Lonely Lighthouse, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 2 at Beach Books in Seaside, Ore. It's Independent Bookstore Day, come on out and see us!

Beach Books is starting the morning with scones and mimosas at 9 a.m., cupcakes at 1 p.m., and wine and hors d'oeuvres for the Art Walk at 5 p.m..

There will be lots of prizes - scratch-offs for the first 50 kids and first 50 adults, a scavenger hunt, cool bags for the first 20 people who spend $50 or more. Plus there will be face-painting from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., other authors dropping by, signing books, and who knows what else might happen.

Publishers, authors and artists have created special books and other items - maps, tea towels, signed prints, why there's even a Guess How Much I Love You onesie! And they will only be sold on May 2., and only at participating independent bookstores like Beach Books (they're the only one on the North Coast). They have done all this because it's so important to thank you, their customers for keeping them here.

It's a celebration of books and book lovers. Join us as we party morning, noon and night.

"Consumers control the marketplace by deciding where to spend their money. If what a bookstore offers matters to you, then shop at a bookstore. If you feel that the experience of reading a book is valuable, then read the book. This is how we change the world: we grab hold of it. We change ourselves."

                                                    ~Ann Patchett, bestselling author and co-owner of Parnassus Books
Location:
616 BroadwaySeaside, Oregon

The New Book is Here! The New Book is Here!

Yes, indeed. LOUIE, the LONELY LIGHT-HOUSE has arrived!

It's now available on Amazon and it will be available in some local bookstores and light-house or museum gift shops May 1, 2015.

Other locations will follow shortly, but you can ask for it wherever books are sold ($11.99).

You may also order a signed copy from me and be the first to have one. 

Either pick up your reserved copy at the Launch Party* or an upcoming book fair; or ask to have it mailed (for an additional $2).

*Launch Party 12 noon to 2 p.m., May 2 at Beach Books in Seaside, Ore., or at the Local Indie Author & Book Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 9 at Jupiter's Books in Cannon Beach, Ore.

BEACH BOOKS CELEBRATES INDIE BOOKSTORE DAY

It's a celebration of books and book lovers. Join us as we party morning, noon and night. 

Beach Books, in Seaside, Ore. starting the morning with scones and mimosas at 9 a.m., cupcakes at 1 p.m., and wine and hors d'oeuvres for the Art Walk at 5 p.m.. 

There will be lots of prizes - scratch-offs for the first 50 kids and first 50 adults, a scavenger hunt, cool bags for the first 20 people who spend $50 or more.

Plus there will be face-painting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with authors dropping by (including moi) signing books, "and who knows what else might happen?"

I will be at the store from noon to 2 p.m. I'll be debuting my brand new book Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse.

Official Launch Party for my new book (above).

Why you don't want to miss this event:

Publishers, authors and artists have created special books and other items - maps, tea towels, signed prints, (why there's even a Guess How Much I Love You onesie!) just for these events. And they will only be sold on May 2 only at participating independent bookstores like Beach Books (which is the only one on the North Coast). They have done all this because it's so important to thank you, our customers for keeping us here.

"Consumers control the marketplace by deciding where to spend their money. If what a bookstore offers matters to you, then shop at a bookstore. If you feel that the experience of reading a book is valuable, then read the book. This is how we change the world: we grab hold of it. We change ourselves." -Ann Patchett, bestselling author and co-owner of Parnassus Books

Location: 616 Broadway, Seaside, Oregon

May Day! May Day! The New Book is Coming!

Here's the cover (front and back) for the upcoming book.

Have You Seen the Book Trailer for "Louie..."?

The book will be release on May Day 2015.

Good News for Louie on Independent Bookstore Day

Official logo for IBD 2015.

This just in: 

I'll be signing the new book* (Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse) on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Beach Books, 616 Broadway, Seaside, Oregon.

May 2 is National Independent Bookstore Day and several other authors will also be at the store that day. 

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and I'm not sure of my hours yet, but I'll post more details and schedules when they come available.

I'll also be at Jupiter's Books in Cannon Beach, for the May 9 Local Indie Author & Book Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I'm still working on booking (no pun intended) some other venues for Saturdays in May. A local lighthouse? Maritime museum? Bookstores?  Keep an eye peeled for details.


And (BONUS) here's another illustration from Louie by Roxanne Bowman! >

*I'll also have my other books. Hope to see you there.

Final Cover Design for "LOUIE, The Lonely Lighthouse"

Cover Art (C) by Roxanne Bowman; Cover Design by Greg Zschomler.

Today is the one month away mark for the debut of my newest book Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse! I thought it was time that you saw the final cover design (since Friday "everyone else in the world" will see it on the Press Releases).

Louie—forgotten and at risk of becoming a relic— despairs until, one dark and stormy night, his mighty light saves the day.

The story tells the tale of Louie’s passage from hopelessness to hero. It also teaches the intrinsic value of every individual and encourages people young and old to keep believing in themselves.

The picture book is suitable for children, but enjoyable for adults alike and is charmingly illustrated by Florence, Oregon artist, Roxanne Bowman.

Each keepsake paperback sold in a lighthouse gift shop or museum will create revenue for lighthouse preservation and upkeep. 

The painting for the cover (and the inner illustrations) were created by Roxanne Bowman who is a digital artist, painter and graphic designer living at the center of the Oregon coast. She holds an art degree from Stevens-Henager College. She has three daughters, a husband of 33+ years, and three grandchildren. As a child she was told that she would amount to nothing. To that she replies, “Watch me suckers!” She says that MS took away some of the things she loves, but that God has given back more than she would have ever thought.

THE BOOK’S LAUNCH PARTY will take place on May Day ("may day, may day" get it?) 2015. Time and place TBA. Watch for details very soon.

Other TOUR DATES as follows:

• May 2 Book Launch at Beach Books, Seaside, Ore. (time TBA)
• May 9 Local Indie Authors & Book Fair, Cannon Beach, Ore. Jupiter’s Books, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• May 16 Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Cape Disappointment State Park, Wash. [pending]
• May 23 Lighthouse (TBA)
• July 25 NW Book Festival, Pioneer Square, Portland, Ore. (books only)
• Aug. 15 Northwest Authors Fair, Bob’s Beach Books [pending]
• Aug. 21-23 Rockaway Beach Fair, Rockaway Beach, Ore.
• Sept. 19 & 20 Rose City ComicCon, PDX Expo Center (books only)
• Sept. 26 Florence Festival of Books, Florence, Ore.

I am open to additional dates at local bookstores, lighthouses, etc.

CONTACT: gregory.zschomler@gmail.com

"Louie" Illustration by Roxanne Bowman

Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse. Illustration (C) 2015 by Roxanne Bowman.

Sharing another beautiful piece of art by Roxanne Bowman for the upcoming book.

Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse comes out on May Day, may day (May 1st, 2015).

Forgotten. A relic. Louie despairs until, one dark and stormy night, his mighty light saves the day.

The story teaches the intrinsic value of each individual and encourages people young and old to keep believing in themselves.

WHY I wrote this book: I love lighthouses. Not only because of the romanticism, but because they have long been a metaphor for salvation. BUT I didn’t write the book simply because I like lighthouses—I want to help save them! This book was written to be a fund-raiser. 

Each keepsake paperback sold in a lighthouse gift shop or museum will create revenue for preservation and upkeep.

Proposed Cover Art for "Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse"

Here's what I'm thinking will be the cover for the new book coming out May Day, may day. 

What do YOU think?

Illustration by Roxanne Bowman, typography and layout by me.

Another Delightful Bowman Illustration for "Louie..."

I just HAD to share another illustration for Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse, by Roxanne Bowman, with you. I'm sure you'll agree with me that it is wonderful. I'll soon be able to share the cover art with you.

First Look at an Illustration for "Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse" Coming May 2015!

I am pleased to announce some very important news concerning my upcom-ing book Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse, due out in May. Hold on to your hats!

"Gone were the days when ships navigated by the sun by day
and by the stars at night." from the text by Greg Zschomler.

For several months I have been doing two things: 1) attempting to illustrate the book myself and 2) working with another artist to illustrate the book. Frankly, I was pursuing the two paths because I wasn't sure which one would work best.

Though I made several attempts with a variety of media, I was not happy with my own abilities to produce what I saw in my head, nor could I find the right technique.

The illustrator I was working with I met more than a year ago at a book fair. I liked her work then and I contacted her last year before Thanksgiving about illustrating Louie. She very much wanted to do so. I asked her to pitch me some sample drawings/paintings.

Note: My experimentation did result in my illustrating the cover of my last book, Rocketman.

Anyway, over the past several months she worked hard to produce pieces that would suit me. I saw several styles--some too cartoony, some too realistic--and, although her work was amazing, I wasn't sure she could do quite do what I wanted. The talent was there and I could tell she was very versatile, but I was doubting. Neither of us was giving up just yet (but I was pursuing the other option, just in case). And I was beginning to sweat it.

I'm glad we continued to work together--refining the style. She has been so very good about taking criticism and suggestion from me (and I can be a real pain) and, over time, we have settled into something wonderful. I think you're going to agree.

Needless to say, though she has been working entirely on spec up until this point, today Roxanne Bowman and I signed our contract making the collaboration official. In a few days I will release the cover art, but I have included one of the inside illustrations with this post for your preview (see above).

Roxanne is a painter, illustrator and wonderful digital artist (which I find amazing at her age) living in Florence, Oregon. Here is her bio:

"At the Age of 7 I had a childhood experience that would alter the future for me. I had been raised in a Parochial school. I was a poor student [and] getting Ds was the best I could do. I had a priest and two nuns speaking with my mom in front of me, saying, 'I'd better get a good man to marry me because I'd never amount to anything with my grades.'  I determined at that moment... the montra 'watch me suckers' running through my brain there after. After a harried life, three daughters a broken marriage, and now a successful second marriage I found a chance to fulfill my dream of [being] the first in my family to attain a college degree. I am a senior aged woman who has fulfilled that dream with the educational excellence of my college at Suma Cum Laude'. And although some say I am 'over the hill' at 62, I find my life and my degree a start to an exciting life for my future."